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| Sumita Pawar |
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Trainer Danny Shum has set his sights on the upcoming HK$13 million Gr.1 Citi Hong Kong Gold Cup 2000m with Romantic Warrior, hoping to improve on his second-place finish to Golden Sixty last year.
To prepare for the big race, the horse had a warm-up run at Sha yesterday with jockey James McDonald on board. This will be Romantic Warrior's sixth Group One crown if he manages to clinch the title.
"He's in great form. I'm really thrilled with him, he's pulled up extremely well and it's probably just what he needed to stimulate him again and get him ready for a month's time where he has a big task ahead of him – he's in great form and I'm very, very happy with him, I supposed it's just where Danny wants him," McDonald said.
During the late trial of Overhauling Youthful Deal, Romantic Warrior managed to clock an impressive 1m 11.54s, while Encountered rolled into the third position.
"He's had this lovely break. He's enjoyed himself, he's got a spring in his step and he's moving extremely well and that's what he took out of today.
"He had a nice exercise where he took a bit of a blow but I'm sure he might have one more trial and that will tick him over beautifully and he's definitely forward enough for this preparation – he's in tremendous form," McDonald said.
Chill Chibi and Helene Feeling, who are participating in Shum's Hong Kong Classic Mile (1600m), secured fifth and sixth positions, respectively, ahead of their upcoming test on 4 February at Sha Tin.
The Citi Hong Kong Gold Cup is the second leg of Hong Kong's Triple Crown and will be held on 25 February at Sha Tin. Golden Sixty was the winner of the race in 2021 and 2023, whereas Russian Emperor claimed the 2022 renewal.
Romantic Warrior Joins Elite Club With HK$100M Earnings
Romantic Warrior has become Hong Kong's third horse in history, following Golden Sixty and Beauty Generation, to earn over HK$100 million after his victory in last month's HK$36 million G1 Longines Hong Kong Cup (2000m).
The Hong Kong International Sale graduate, who secured a win in the Gr.1 W.S. Cox Plate (2040m) in the previous race, delivered Hong Kong's first victory in the famous Moonee Valley race.
"He's the king, though. Over 2000 metres he's simply the best and I hope he maintains that record because he wears his heart on his sleeve and gives his all," McDonald said.